The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GAME FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS

CAN BE PLAYED WITH SEVERAL CHILDREN OR JUST ONE.
AN ADULT USUALLY PLAYS WITH THE CHILDREN. THE ADULT
LIGHTLY GRABS THE NOSE OF THE CHILD AND SAYS, "I'VE
GOT YOUR NOSE." IF ANOTHER CHILD PLAYING THE
STOLEN NOSE IS PUT ON THE OTHER CHILD'S NOSE, BUT
IF JUST THE ADULT IS THERE, THEN HE PUTS (THE)
NOSE ON HIMSELF. THE NATURAL REACTION OF THE CHILD
WHOSE NOSE IS GONE IS TO GET HIS BACK OR TAKE
SOMEONE ELSE'S. THE CHILD NATURALLY STATES
TRIUMPHANTLY THAT HE HAS YOUR NOSE. ADULT RESPONDS
BY TRYING TO GET IT BACK. GAME ENDS WITH NO ONE
SURE WHETHER THEY HAVE RIGHT NOSE OR NOT.

Submitter comment: MY POLISH UNCLE USED TO DO IT TO ME.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 04-00-1965